Morning Manny: Washington Redskins Have An Inside Linebacker Problem

Emmanual Benton

11/30/2016

Manny Benton suggests there's no in-season solution to the Redskins' issues at ILB.

Manny Benton often tweets random thoughts regarding the Washington Redskins at random times of the day that typically bring interesting dialog. Now from Monday through Thursday at around 9 a.m., you can find those Twitter-sized thoughts in "Morning Manny." Complete with explanations!

Inside Linebacker has been a huge issue for the Redskins:

After now studying 11 games of Washington Redskins film this season, it's become very apparent that inside linebacker is a huge issue for this team. I hate to throw people under-the-bus, but Will Compton has been the main culprit. If you need any proof, just go watch back that first series in the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game.

It's unfortunate because Compton tries hard and he's super smart. His lack of athleticism and twitch is just getting exposed big time. This will be a key area for the team to address in the upcoming draft. Florida Gators LB Jarrad Davis and Alabama Crimson Tide LB Reuben Foster are two players I watched indirectly while studying their teammates last year. Both popped out on film more than some of their former teammates and could be viewed as early options for the Redskins. As of today, I kind of like Davis a little more.

Of course, with the Redskins fielding a playoff-push, they need "right now" solutions. To be honest, there really aren't any. I think Compton's intelligence is still valued. Opposite of him is Mason Foster, who hasn't been terrible, but has not been great either. Although, he has surprised me in coverage this season. I think the most flashy ILB on the team right now is rookie Su'a Cravens and he's not quite ready for every-down play, though he took away a major amount of snaps from Foster in the win over Green Bay. If the Redskins felt interesting reserves Martrell Spaight and Terence Garvin could offer help they'd likely be in the lineup more consistently by now.

As the Redskins move down an important stretch of the season, I do believe ILB will be a big weakness for them in both the run and pass game. The continued usage of Cravens could offset the issues a bit, as it has all season, because he's a playmaker. Beyond that, the best hope for a fix comes in the 2017 NFL Draft.